Monument City Blog

219 29th Division Street (Street View)

GPS: 39° 18′ 13.33″ N 76° 37′ 19.24″ W

History

Dedicated in 1925 to the soldiers of Maryland’s Fifth Regiment that lost their lives in World War One, To the Glory of Maryland graces the front of Baltimore’s historic armory building. Created by local sculptor Hans Schuler, the relief hangs above the main entrance of the Wyatt and Nolting designed structure. The armory itself was completed in 1901 and provided Baltimore with a suitable military institution. The massive castle-like building took two-and-a-half years to build and included an elaborate tunnel system underneath. The underground arteries reached the Baltimore Port and were used to safely transfer arms and troops undetected on the surface. After a 12 alarm fire in 1932 a pillared basement was installed, eliminating the hidden passageways.

At one point in time the armory was the largest convention center in Maryland, hosting events ranging from the circus to presidential conventions. John F. Kennedy even spoke here during his brief political career. The building still houses numerous government agencies and is only accessible by permission.

Notes

When I arrived to photograph the sculpture I was initially denied access to the grounds. The guard, an ex-Baltimore City police officer, after hearing my intentions, escorted me to the front door and allowed me to take a few pictures of the Schuler masterpiece. The detail and care that went into the project is an incredible sight. The ominous representation of courage and sacrifice reminds me of Patterson Park’s General Pulaski Monument (also sculpted by Schuler).

Nearby

• Fifth Regiment Armory Serviceman Memorial
• Hamman-Costin WWI Medal of Honor Memorial
• Francis Scott Key Monument in Bolton Hill
• Maryland Line Monument

Links

• On Panoramio & Flickr
• Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs inventory entry

Location: Belair Road & Shannon Drive

This WWI Servicemen Memorial is inconspicuously placed within a large bush on the edge of Herring Run Park. At the corner of Belair Road and Shannon Drive, the monument displays an eagle atop a scroll containing the names of Belair community members that died during WWI. Edward Berge, one of Baltimore’s most important realist sculptors, was commissioned to create the memorial. Dedicated in 1921, the sculpture’s condition is decent, yet could stand some attention. The 300 year old Columbus Obelisk towers nearby.

Location: S Linwood Avenue & Eastern Avenue

This memorial plaque was affixed to a flagpole at Patterson Park in 1923. The World War I marker is just a few steps away from Hans Schuler’s General Pulaski Monument, a majestic sculpture honoring one of America’s, and Poland’s, greatest war heroes.

Location: N Gay Street & E Lexington Street

Across Gay Street from the War Memorial Building is a plaque commemorating the rededication of War Memorial Plaza. The marker reads: “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.” This same inscription was on the front facade of Memorial Stadium and is on the new war monument at Camden Yards.

This servicemen memorial was created in honor of those lost during World War II from the Remington / Wyman area neighborhoods.  Erected in 1945, the stone structure stands on the western end of Johns Hopkins Homewood campus near the edge of Remington. Affixed to the stone structure’s backside is a plaque with the names of the fallen soldiers. Edward Berge‘s Chapin Harris Monument is just south on Wyman Park Drive.

Location: Warren Avenue & Henry Street

Dedicated in 1933, the Our Fathers Saved Sundial was created in honor of union Civil War casualties. The inscription reads: “In memory of the Grand Army of the Republic by the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865.” Situated at the southern end of Federal Hill, near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Monuments to war heroes Samuel Smith and George Armistead are placed in the park as well.

Location: E Fort Avenue & Andre Street

The Veterans Memorial at Locust Point was dedicated, in 1989, to all veterans of American wars. The plaque reads: “Dedicated to those men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States who, in serving their country during times of conflict, have suffered the scars of battle.” The memorial is near the entrance to Fort McHenry.

This WWII Servicemen Memorial sits at the corner of Keswick Road and 33rd Street in Hampden. The stone monument resides in a small community park a block south of the historic Northern District Police Station building.

Location: Beechwood Drive near the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Planted in 1919, The Grove of Remembrance (or Memorial Grove Oaks) honors those who fought in World War I. Two markers stand at the entrance of the thicket, one showing dedication information and the other displaying a map of the woodland area. One tree was planted for every state, the city of Baltimore and Woodrow Wilson. As the years went by more trees were planted marking each subsequent American War. It is said to be the oldest living memorial in the United States.

Nearby Monuments:

Location: 219 West 29th Division Street

Outside of Maryland’s 5th Regiment Armory, within the property’s fence line, is a servicemen memorial. The monument is just off Howard Street and Bolton Street in Baltimore. On the armory building itself is Hans Schuler’s To the Glory of Maryland. Across the street is Congressional Medal of Honor Park containing the Hamman-Costin Monument.